Sarah Schielke: Blazing a Trail in Civil Rights Law with Unconventional Tactics

Sarah Schielke’s journey in civil rights law is a testament to determination, innovation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, Schielke found herself in Colorado, seeking a fresh start. With no experience or connections in the legal field, she took an unconventional approach to launching her career: posting an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services.

This bold move paid off, providing Schielke with invaluable experience and laying the foundation for her future success. In 2012, she established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she had been passionate about since law school.

Schielke’s unique approach to civil rights cases has set her apart in the legal field. She has gained attention for her strategy of publicly releasing body camera footage from her clients’ cases, a tactic that has proven highly effective. This approach has not only brought national media attention to her cases but also resulted in substantially larger settlements for her clients compared to typical outcomes in similar cases.

One of Schielke’s most notable cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during an arrest by Loveland police in June 2020. Schielke’s release of the body camera footage in April 2021 brought the case to light, sparking national outrage and prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the department. The investigations led to criminal charges against two officers, with one sentenced to five years in prison and the other to 45 days in jail followed by probation. The case ultimately settled for $3 million, far exceeding the usual settlement amount for similar cases.

In 2022, Schielke secured another significant victory with a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a brutal tasing incident involving one of her clients in his own home.

Schielke’s success is rooted in her willingness to adapt and forge her own path in a male-dominated field. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s identity while navigating the challenges of being a strong woman in law. Her approach extends to her own practice, where she employs intelligent, strong women and seeks to effect change from within the legal system.

Despite facing adversity, including attempts to hold her in contempt for releasing body camera footage, Schielke remains committed to her principles. She views these challenges as opportunities to stand up for what’s right, even in the face of powerful opposition.

Schielke’s personal experiences have shaped her approach to law and life. The loss of her father early in her career led her to reframe her perspective, embracing gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This transformative experience has influenced her interactions with clients and her approach to challenging cases.

Her definition of courage involves the determination to address wrongs and improve situations, even when faced with opposition from powerful entities. Schielke’s guiding principle is the belief that there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This perspective informs her approach to her legal practice and personal life.

Recognized for her groundbreaking work, Schielke was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, an honor that acknowledges her significant impact in the field of civil rights law. Her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring lawyers and demonstrates the power of unconventional thinking in effecting change within the legal system.